Inclusive learning is no longer a concept found only on papers. Artificial intelligence is making inclusive learning a reality and helping the world embrace diversity. The blog talks of the role played by AI in the educational sector, especially w.r.t inclusive learning.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are now the key growth factors in various industries. AI has been making the same impact in the education industry. The use of technology is making inclusive learning a reality. Students with disabilities, language barriers, cultural differences, etc., can be a part of the same classrooms and taught along with the rest of the class. Artificial intelligence is making great headway in the education industry and bridging the gap between students and educators.
Based on a report by eLearning Industry, close to 50% of the learning management platforms will be powered by AI in just 3 years from now. The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 has boosted online learning. With more schools, colleges, and educational institutions relying on technology to impart education, the need for AI/ML software applications has also increased. According to another survey, 85% of educators feel that AI technology will be an integral part of education.
Inclusive learning – A Concept
Social, political, and technological aspects have brought forth a vital flaw in the education industry. The lack of inclusivity became a glaring sign of error that needs to be corrected as soon as possible. Luckily, inclusive learning is becoming a reality one step at a time.
What is Inclusive Learning?
It’s no secret that students have varying learning styles and personalities. Some are confident, while others are tentative. Some students have learning and speaking disabilities. A few have physical disabilities. Language, comprehension, economy, etc., are common barriers that make it difficult for students to learn and compete with others.
Inclusive learning aims to bridge these gaps and create an environment where a student with different abilities can learn in the same classroom, that too, without compromising on the quality of education. This is easier said than done.
However, thanks to technology, inclusive learning is steadily gaining momentum in different parts of the world.
Why is the World Pushing Towards Inclusive learning?
Bridges the Gap
The world needs inclusive learning because it bridges the gap between students by working on the differences (region, societies, value systems, beliefs, etc.) that set them apart from one another. This gives everyone a good chance to shine and prove their worth.
Right to Education
Every person in this world has the right to education. The lack of access to facilities or personal beliefs should not come in the way of educating a student. Inclusive learning helps students leverage their right to education.
Opportunity for All
What is AI in Special Education? Students with special needs have to be made a part of the social activities and presented with the same opportunities as others. It’s when people with intellectual and physical disabilities are given a chance to perform and prove their worth that we can create a holistic learning environment that promotes equality. Individualized learning focuses on areas of improvement to help students with special needs to compete with others.
Equality in Education
Though we are far from achieving equality among humans, we can make it happen by bringing equality to education. The aim is to provide equal rights to students from different backgrounds and abilities to help them achieve success.
The Basis for an Inclusive Society
When children learn to be more inclusive, they’ll grow up to create an inclusive society for others. Diversity and inclusivity are being given more prominence to make students understand that everyone is different and needs to be respected. Inclusive classrooms go a long way in preparing children to become assertive and empathic individuals.
A Better World
When children grow up understanding diversity, the world will naturally be a better place. Racism, cultural appropriation, and religious hatred will no longer cause humans to harm one another. Inclusivity at a young age leads to adults with more awareness.
What is the Role of Technology in Inclusive Education?
Custom-made solutions are the only way to train students with special needs as the types of disabilities are too varied to create a one-for-all solution. The aim of using technology in inclusive learning is to reduce the feeling of dependence. The course is charted in a way to make students more independent and rely less on the educator. This makes them feel confident to tackle situations on their own.
- Speech recognition technology makes it possible for students with special needs to record the lessons or convert handwritten text to speech.
- Augmentative communication and speech therapy classes are conducted online to help kids with speaking disabilities compete with other students in the classroom.
- AI-based translators assist students to bridge the gap between two or more languages. Students can learn in a language they understand.
- Students can rely on web-based learning and online classes to overcome geographical and distance barriers.
- Students who speak minority languages can use AI-based translation apps to understand the lessons in their native tongue.
How AI is contributing to Inclusive Learning
1. Removes Bias
Human bias is an inherent part of our society. Artificial intelligence can help reduce and remove bias that comes in the way of the teacher-student relationship, especially when either of them belongs to different cultures, races, regions, etc. However, we need to ensure that the data fed into the AI systems are not biased.
2. Individualized Learning
AI eLearning platforms have been personalizing the content and the speed of training to suit the students. AI makes it easier for students with special needs to learn at their own pace without feeling stressed out.
3. Accessibility
Technology makes it possible for children from remote areas to access education which wasn’t possible during the earlier days. Even if there are no schools/ colleges in the area, children can still continue their education through eLearning apps. For example, MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) is a model that delivers online content and learning opportunities to anyone who wants to learn irrespective of physical attendance.
4. Affordability
The advent of AI is gradually reducing the cost of education. Students can apply for online courses and certifications that are cost-effective and provide the same quality of education. This helps students from highly diverse backgrounds to have a chance at education.
5. Teaching Techniques
Artificial intelligence is also helping teachers understand ways to teach students with special needs. AI in inclusive learning assists teachers to identify the right method of teaching and the right channel of communication to interact with a student from a different background.
Key Application Areas of AI for Inclusive Learning
AI has a significant impact on making education more inclusive and accessible for all learners, including those with disabilities or diverse learning needs. Here are some key applications:
1. Personalized Learning
AI can tailor educational content to meet individual student needs, providing customized learning experiences that adapt to each student’s pace and style.
2. Assistive Technologies
AI-powered tools like text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and real-time transcription services help students with visual or hearing impairments access educational materials more easily.
3. Adaptive Assessments
AI can create assessments that adjust in real-time based on a student’s performance, ensuring that the difficulty level is appropriate and providing immediate feedback.
4. Behavioral and Emotional Support
AI systems can analyze student data to identify those who might need additional emotional or behavioral support, helping educators intervene early and provide necessary assistance.
5. Automated Administrative Tasks
AI can handle routine tasks like grading and scheduling, freeing up teachers to focus more on personalized instruction and student engagement.
6. Enhanced Accessibility
AI can provide real-time captioning and translation services, making it easier for students who speak different languages or have hearing impairments to participate in class.
These applications not only support students with disabilities but also enhance the overall learning experience for all students by making education more flexible, responsive, and inclusive.
Case Study: AI in Inclusive Education in Japan
A recent study titled “Challenges and opportunities of AI in inclusive education: a case study of data-enhanced active reading in Japan” delves into the integration of AI in inclusive education, focusing on how it can support diverse learners, including those with special needs.
Key Insights:
Objective
The study aimed to explore the potential and challenges of using AI to enhance inclusive education, where students with varying needs learn together.
Methodology
Researchers utilized the Learning and Evidence Analysis Framework (LEAF), a learning analytics-enhanced environment, to monitor and analyze students’ learning behaviors during an active reading task. This involved tracking learning logs of two students in a resource room setting.
Findings
Learning Behaviors
The study identified specific learning behaviors from the logs, providing insights into how students interact with the AI-enhanced learning environment.
Challenges
One of the main challenges was orchestrating multiple flows of information and tasks in a diverse learning context.
Opportunities
AI demonstrated potential in offering personalized support and adapting to individual learner needs, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of inclusive education.
Human Involvement
The research highlighted the crucial role of human involvement in managing and facilitating AI-driven educational practices to ensure they cater to the diverse needs of all learners.
This study underscores the significant role AI can play in creating more inclusive educational environments, while also addressing the inherent challenges.
Conclusion
Be it Duolingo, PrepAI, or other AI-based platforms, artificial intelligence is becoming the core of the education industry. Teachers, students, and establishments will continue to rely more on advanced technology to create a better and student-centric learning environment.
Edtech consulting companies have a crucial role to play in this scenario. Educational institutions and eLearning platforms find it cost-effective to work with solution providers and customize AI software to suit their requirements. It’s time to embrace the changes AI brings education and take inclusive learning to every corner of the world.
